Focus, Name Of The Game In The PBA Semifinals

In a heated series like Talk ‘N Text and Alaska, which saw both squads get a grand total fine of P45,400 on erring players as officially announced by PBA commish Chito Salud, it’s easy to lose cool or temper.

I could understand why Aboy Castro, Talk ‘N Text’s team manager, was disappointed with Salud’s decision to just slap a P30,000 on Cyrus Baguio and then allow him to play in Game 4.

Castro said they’ve been expecting no less than suspension on the high-leaping Baguio for hitting TNT point guard Jayson Castro on the face in a mid-air collision in the fourth period of the physical Game 3 match.

The pint-sized Castro fell hard on the floor as he held on to his face for several minutes, grimacing in pain after the hit.

Aboy Castro said that alone, as seen on TV replay, should have been enough evidence for Salud to suspend Baguio since more likely, their prized guard won’t be available on Game 4 if he still feels dizzy.

But I like how Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black took the officiating brouhaha following his team’s 93-79 win in Game 3.

“I wasn’t happy with the officiating in the last game, but we just have to keep playing. As much as possible, we just can’t lose focus as the series goes on. Certainly, I’m not happy with it (officiating),” said Black after the game.

And while Black can’t avoid showing his dismay over how officiating has gone during the first three games of the series, the come-backing PBA coach wanted his team to focus on winning the series.

“It’s important for our team to just keep our focus and keep playing.. I think the team that can keep focus will win (the series),” added Black.

Focus. Whether Talk ‘N Text versus Alaska or Rain or Shine against San Mig Coffee, it takes a lot of discipline for players and coaches alike to maintain razor-sharp focus and keep their eyes fixed on the goal – which is to win the PBA Philippine Cup.

Hopefully, officiating gets better because in the long run, it will not just be beneficial for teams, but for the 38-year-old pro league as well.